Environmental action benefit album is a varied experience

Date published: 7/17/2008

BY NINA GONZALEZ

With its whimsical and pro-environment premise, "The Green Owl Compilation: A Benefit for the Energy Action Coalition" pieces together a collection of songs from bands such as Of Montreal, Feist and Bloc Party, along with other up-and-coming groups such as The Exit and Violens.

All of the "Green Owl" profits go to the Energy Action Coalition, which works to create an alliance between organizations that support and strengthen the clean-energy movement among students and young people in the United States and Canada.

The album is available at Amazon.com, iTunes and at all Whole Foods stores. Some songs, such as "Feminine Effects" by Of Montreal, can be found only on the "Green Owl" compilation.

Stylistically, there is little similarity among the 16 tracks. Despite the ever-changing sound, though, all of the songs reflect the CD's ultimate purpose: Each song is either about the earth, the people who inhabit it or climate change.

The first track on the album, "Look Up to the Sky" by The Appletrees, is full of lilting notes for a sunny and cheerful character, eager to convey the simplicity of Mother Earth. Meanwhile, The London Souls' track, "Fortune Teller," tells of seas covering mountains and the nightmare of it becoming reality.

All in all, "Green Owl" puts together a fine mix of music, chock full of variety, but still far enough away from mainstream music. For fans of exclusive tracks and worthy causes, the "Green Owl" compilation is fit for any mix or playlist.

Nina Gonzalez is a rising junior at Stafford High School.

Date published: 7/17/2008